Zahra

How to say it

ˈzɑːr.ə

What it means

Arabic, 'radiant,' 'shining,' or 'blooming flower.'

Zahra comes from the Arabic for 'radiant' or 'blooming flower,' and az-Zahra, 'the shining one,' is a title of Fatima, the Prophet's daughter, deeply honored across the Muslim world. Bright and graceful, it pairs in sound with Zara and Sarah. Said ZAH-rah.

How to spell Zahra

The standard spelling is Zahra. Common variants include Zara, Zhara, Zahrah, but Zahra is the most widely used form.

Heads-up notes

• Worth knowing

  Az-Zahra, 'the shining one,' is a title of Fatima, the Prophet's daughter.

• Spelling

  Close in sound to Zara and Sarah.

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Zahra Rahnavard Iranian academic and political figure prominent in the 2009 Green Movement

Spelling variants

• Zara
• Zhara
• Zahrah

Names with the same feeling

• Amira Princess, leader
• Layla Night, dark beauty
• Yara Small butterfly; water lady
• Aaliyah Exalted, sublime
• Fatima One who abstains

See Zahra from another angle

Common questions

What does the name Zahra mean?

Arabic, 'radiant,' 'shining,' or 'blooming flower.'

What does Zahra mean in Arabic?

In Arabic, Zahra means "Radiant, blooming flower." Zahra comes from the Arabic for 'radiant' or 'blooming flower,' and az-Zahra, 'the shining one,' is a title of Fatima, the Prophet's daughter, deeply honored across the Muslim world. Bright and graceful, it pairs in sound with Zara and Sarah. Said ZAH-rah.

How do you pronounce Zahra?

Zahra is pronounced ˈzɑːr.ə. Say it as ZAH-ra, with the stress on the "zah" syllable.

How do you spell Zahra?

The standard spelling is Zahra. Common spelling variants include Zara, Zhara, Zahrah.

Is Zahra a boy or girl name?

Zahra is traditionally a feminine name.

How popular is the name Zahra?

Zahra ranked #540 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.